PRE-TREATMENT , SURFACE PREPARATION , DEGREASING & CLEANING
There are many options depending on the type of contaminants from aqueous to semi aqueous and blasting systems to remove welding slag etc . These are all referenced in the publications in the addendum below and we refer particularly in this article to the European Industrial Gases Assn ( EIGA ) DOC 32 4.3.1.2 Solvent Cleaning .
Solvent cleaning offers huge benefits in cleaning processes . ProSolv ® 5408e our NEW sustainable solvent is especially relevant for this use . Energy saving , totally recyclable , environment friendly zero ODP and GWP and safe for operators . High output , very fast process times , nonflammable , an excellent solvent for all the oils , greases and other organics which need to be removed after manufacturing processes and it is compatible with all types of metals and equipment , from immersion cleaning in simple multi tank counter current processes to integrated vapour and vapour liquid tanks with and without ultrasonics . EnviroTech Europe have extensive partnerships with equipment manufacturers through our distributors worldwide and information and advice on solvents and solvent systems and which need to be considered Some of these are discussed below .
Specific consideration must be given to the following :
Cleaning standard to be achieved ( how clean is clean ?)
Cleaning procedure Solvent cleaner to be used Surface properties of the parts to be cleaned Shape and geometry of the material Types and amounts of contaminants The degree of automation required
The size and capacity of the equipment is determined by :
The size of the material or components to be cleaned
The required throughput
Your starting point should be the cleaning standard and procedure . Solvent cleaning and solvent vapour phase cleaning of components consists of the removal
of contaminants by immersion in the solvent , possibly with the addition of ultrasonic agitation and the action of continued condensation of solvent vapour on the component surfaces . The procedure requires that the oxygen equipment , system or component is colder than the solvent boiling point . This allows the vapour to condense on the components and perform a final rinse .
The major significant advantage of solvent cleaning is that vaporised solvent is always pure , and the contaminants remain in the boiling liquid section which requires only periodic cleaning out , thus causing a reduction in the frequency of system downtime .
The effectiveness of a particular cleaning agent depends upon the method by which it is used , the nature and type of the contaminants and the characteristics of the article being cleaned , such as size , shape , and material . Final evaluation of the cleaning agent should include testing of actual products and production processes .
All equipment must , together with the cleaning chemistry , comply as a minimum with current legislation for health , safety and environment .
The efficiency is controlled by utilising typical samples , written procedures and requested criteria for cleanliness .
Industry standards for cleaning of equipment and components
As part of the programme of worldwide harmonisation of industry standards , the European Industrial Gases Association , ( EIGA ) has published EIGA Doc 33-18 , Cleaning of Equipment for Oxygen Service . The publication was developed from the Compressed Gas Association Document G-4.1 Cleaning Equipment for Oxygen Service and the EIGA Document , Doc 33 Cleaning of Equipment for Oxygen Service . For information see EIGA ’ s website .
Further information
ProSolv ® 5408e is not just for cleaning oxygen systems , please visit our website - https :// www . vapourdegreasing . com / prosolv5408e / for other applications .
For more information and advice please contact us by telephone on + 44 ( 0 ) 20 8281 6370 or use our contact form .
All products are supplied and supported by EnviroTech Europe Ltd . Manufactured in the United Kingdom and available on short delivery times through our dedicated team of distributors worldwide .
Visit : www . envirotech-europe . com
44 MARCH 2021 twitter : @ surfaceworldmag